When asked if he will be playing against Sneijder this season, Van der Vaart joked: "I hope not because Manchester United are going to be stronger. But he's a great player and he fits in well at Manchester United."

Van der Vaart, who joined Spurs from Real Madrid last summer, added: "Of course he would like to play in England, it's the biggest league in the world.

"He is a good friend of mine and we have contact almost every day. He knows what to expect in the Premier League."